Kan. House votes to legalize switchblades

Critics say risk outweighs benefits

The Kansas House has sent Gov. Sam Brownback a bill making it legal to own switchblades and stiletto-type knives.

The vote was 95-26 on Thursday, a day after the measure cleared the Senate.

The Wichita Eagle reports switchblades and stilettos would still be banned at schools, jails and juvenile corrections facilities

Some House Democrats expressed concerns. Jim Ward, a former Wichita prosecutor, said switchblades were banned decades ago because they were used mostly by gangs and criminals. Ward says the potential for harm from the weapons outweighs any good from legalizing them.

But proponents said switchblades can be useful for emergency workers, farmers and others who need to open a knife with one hand while holding something with the other.

Chris Colabello hit a two-run home run, R.A. Dickey threw seven shutout innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 in testy matchup Sunday, taking three of four from the AL's top team.